(From the Fall 2024 print newsletter) On two successive Mondays in September, roofing crews were hard at work at The Ridge at Sand Creek, installing roofs for Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity’s two faith builds—the Apostles Build and 4th Interfaith Build for Unity (IBU) homes.
GAF donated the materials through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, while local company Old World Roofing—who also handles insulation for our new homes—donated the labor, thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Roofing Association and Habitat for Humanity of Colorado.
“This is something that is really important to me, as well as to our company,” says Tonya Robedeau, who works in human resources and sales for Old World Roofing. “We try to give back to our community in all different aspects, and so we’re really appreciative to be able to work on this house, as well as the one next door, and be part of the Habitat projects.”
Bernadette, the Apostles Build future homeowner, stopped by during her lunch break to deliver cookies she baked and thank-you cards her children created for Old World Roofing and GAF.
“We appreciate the generosity of GAF and Old World Roofing in donating the materials and labor for our roof, ensuring our safety and security from the forces of nature,” says Bernadette. “Under this roof, we will create lasting memories and cherish the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are protected and secure, a gift to my children and myself that will never be forgotten.”
Her children also expressed thanks for the new roof and can’t wait to see it in person.
“The roof is a great shelter to us to protect us from having hail or rain and from it coming into our house,” says her 10-year-old son, Jakob. “It’s a great thing to have, since a roof is some of the best protection you can ever have.”
Daughter Anna, age 8, agrees. “I’m thankful for my house to have a roof so we’re warm, comfy, and everything else. We’re very thankful for the roof and everything you do.”
And Emma, age 6, says, “I love my roof!”
Isxel, the IBU future homeowner, also expressed her appreciation for the companies that donated supplies and labor for her roof, slated for installation on Sept. 30. She arranged to take the morning off work so she could meet the crew and thank them in person.
“I am so grateful to God and all the people involved in having the dream of my house that I would like to attend,” she says.
In addition to being eventual next-door neighbors and faith build partner families, Bernadette and Isxel have something else in common: Both are educators. Bernadette is a childcare teacher, while Isxel serves as a special education paraprofessional.
“For myself personally, these two houses are very special,” says Robedeau. “My daughter-in-law is an educator early on in her career, and she is a para for special education. And so being able to give back to some of our educators is a huge thing to us as well.”
